Bombardier Targets New Aluminum Alloys

Bombardier, the Canadian transportation company, is taking a close look at new aluminum-lithium alloys for its C-Series Aircraft under development. Under particular study is the 2099 grade for use as extrusions for internal structure and 2199 sheet and plate for fuselages and lower wring applications. The new alloys reduce weight and improve performance of aircraft. The new planes aren’t expected to take flight until 2013. One potential customer is China Aviation Corp., a development partner with Bombardier.

University of Southampton researchers have come up with a way to 3D print transparent optical fibers like those used in fiber-optic telecommunications cables, potentially boosting frequency and reducing loss.

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